Cool Japanese Pocket Knives

It might sound dangerous, but Japanese men used to bring a pocket knife called a Higo No Kami ( 肥後守) for protection, farming, cutting, and everyday use.

The Higo No Kami was developed in the 1890’s by hardware wholesaler Tasaburo Shigematsu and the blacksmith Sadaharu Murakami. It was inexpensive and sturdily made, and it became the farmer’s and tradesman’s pocketknife. After that it gained popularity among kids for as a pencil sharpener.

A Higo No Kami’s blade is typically less than 4 inches long, made from laminated high-carbon steel and it bears the signature of “肥後守”.

Higo No Kami is not famous like say a Katana, but nowadays it is popular in Japan and all over the world. Japanese knives are loved around the world because most are sharper and stronger through the process of strengthening the steel used in the manufacture of Japanese swords. Moreover, most of Japanese pocket knives are manufactured by hand so they are high quality and artistic.

And now, I would like to introduce cool Japanese pocket knives including Higo No Kami with makers.

Mcusta Knife made this unique and cool pocket knife with a useful money clip. It seems really simple design, but on the money clip there is a traditional Japanese family crest, or kamon, such as a fuji, a crane, a kikyo, and a mituba, which gives the knife a Japanese feel.

These make perfect presents.

For more information about Mcusta knives, please check out their website and for a list of wholesalers near you like KNIFE Toronto.

The Higo knife has been produced by Miyamoto Manufacturing Co. since the late 1920s. In the 1950s, over 50 manufacturers were making the Higo No Kami knives, but by the early 1960s many of them stopped production due to reduction of demand.

The Miyamoto Manufacturing Co has continued to produce the Higo knife with traditional methods employing original forging techniques. The knives are hard to come by as Miyamoto Manufacturing Co. does not sell their knives online; however, there are some vendors that carry their knives.

If you want to get a pocket knife that will last a lifetime, I highly recommend a Hattori Hamono pocket knife. These are high quality, strong, and elegant.

Made by experienced craftsman, Ichiro Hattori. In 1971, Hattori has opened his own workshop and started producing high quality hunting knives. His creations have been rated highly with his detailed handwork traveling all over the world.

A Japanese pocket knife is a good tool for everyday use, and also it is work of art.These particular knives might look dangerous and out of fashion, but if you get a great Japanese pocket knife once, you might not be able to use anything else.